I suppose that one could only get so descriptive in a G-rated MediaSF magazine such as Future Life which is where this particular (undoubtedly edited) memo was reproduced. TGT
Seems impractical to replace something as simple as fabricated clothing with an electrical device that might be susceptible to failure, leaving the subject bollock naked should it happen.
JvP was discussing civilian fashions on 23rd century Earth, and since Gene Roddenberry wanted to depict casual public nudity in ST:TMP I don't think that such malfunctions (intended or otherwise) would be grounds for a rehab session at the Tantalus V penal colony. Actually, there is rumored to have been a mysterious B&E into the Alexandria, VA. residence of a NASA HQ manager several years ago that has never been solved... TGT
Once again, TGT, you have proven you know everything! I assumed that GR's 'relaxed' views of Earth might included some more 'casual' dress codes, but I had no idea...
As far as the in universe "reality" of Star Trek is concerned, the spray and wear technology must have had some flaw or disadvantage, because they went back to hanging uniforms in closets at some point. That was shown in at least one of the WOK era movies as I recall. I don't think I'll speculate too much on what the problem may have been, but the tutu concept mentioned above comes to mind.
The more I read about GR - I've got to ask, does he write anything that doesn't involve sex, people taking their clothes off, having three breasts or hypersexuality?
Indeed, given the abundant cocaine use and liberated sexuality, I expect the 70s were a fun time for him. Ironically, I remember reading he had some impotence issues. Probably the cocaine. I wonder then if the 2270s were anything like the 1970s? Clearly the fashions bore some similarities.
One could make some interesting in universe speculations about the different time periods of the future, based on the various artifacts shown on screen. But, I would put myself to sleep if I tried to do that in detail. Clearly something had altered in the fashion sense between TMP and WOK.
I like to think it has something to do with deterioration of relations between the Klingons and Romulans, and the feeling that a quadrant-wide war might break out at any moment. Or certain shrinkage-prone admirals got sick of having the spray-ons fail at the wrong moment.
I mentioned this before - the TMP novel is quite interesting is that it suggests that the members of Star Fleet are effectively throwbacks, too savage to be happy on earth.
I've read that theory about increased tensions in the late 2270s and I find it very plausible. The same might also apply to the early 2370s with the onset of the Dominion and Borg threats and the "First Contact" uniforms. As for shrinking prone admirals....thank goodness I'm just a hyperinflated captain (not referring to the same anatomical regions).
I have actually always been interested in (and a little scared of) reading this. I agree with regard to the 2270s (well-through the 2340s, apparently) and 2370s being more militaristic and the uniforms thus reflecting the 'mood' of the era.
I read it when it first came out (dates himself again) and it's been years since I've looked at it. As I recall, it contains references to open, contractual marriages (Kirk was in one with a vice admiral prior to the events of the movie), neo-humans who were very much into group identities rather than individuality, and considerable information (TMI?) regarding Deltan sensuality and their potent pheromones causing some embarassing moments for our stalwart heroes. Sulu, in particular, chose to remain seated at his console at one point.
It's equally impractical to replace something as simple as prison bars with a forcefield device that might be susceptible to failure, or to replace something as simple as towing cable with a tractor beam that might be susceptible to failure, or to replace something as simple as wheels with a levitation system that might be susceptible to failure. It's a common conceit of science fiction to replace practical engineering with overcomplicated energy-based alternatives for the sake of seeming futuristic. You say that as though there were something wrong with it. And it's not as if it was unique to GR. You ever read Larry Niven's Ringworld and other Known Space books? Nudism licenses on Earth, ritual interspecies sex as a Ringworld norm, etc. Plenty of '60s and '70s science fiction explored futures with more liberal sexuality than our own. It was an extrapolation from the Sexual Revolution of the time.
I read ringworld at 11 in the school library, it blew my mind and then I had to write a book report and read it to the class. "Then they meet those aliens and have sex with them and.." The books swiftly moved from the library...